For Cardona, An Angry Crowd

Hostile Environment A Part Of Challenge

CHESTER, W. — If Pito Cardona wants to become IBF lightweight champion, he is going to have to be a successful road warrior.

Cardona will take on Paul Spadafora Friday night at the Mountaineer Racetrack and Gambling Resort, about 45 minutes away from Pittsburgh, his hometown.

``I'm sure there will be a lot of dirty work,'' Cardona said after making the trip from Hartford Tuesday. ``They'll do everything to get an edge.''

Cardona undoubtedly will be confronted by a partisan crowd of about 3,000. Spadafora has fought at the Mountaineer six times. There will also be two West Virginia officials -- a judge and a referee -- assigned to the fight.

The quick-footed Spadafora will also have the luxury of working in a 24-foot ring, the largest allowable under championship guidelines. Cardona, who likes to mix it up, would have preferred a cozier environment.

Spadafora's camp unsuccessfully lob bied for 10-ounce gloves, but the fighters will use the standard 8-ounce mitts called for in IBF title fights.

``There's no pressure on me,'' said Cardona (31-2, 23 KOs), who has the edge over Spadafora (26-0, 13 KOs) in experience and punching power. ``All the pressure is on him. This is his hometown.''

Cardona did 30 minutes of roadwork, then relaxed by the swimming pool before heading to a local gym for some light work.

``I feel great,'' said Cardona, who trained for a month in Las Vegas. ``Normally, at this stage, I'm sucking weight and I can't even run. But I did it right. I'm strong. I've been under 140 [pounds] for two weeks. I've never been under 140 for two weeks before a fight.''

Cardona said he will easily make the 135-pound limit.

Training away from home was a big step for Cardona, who hates to travel.

``This is what you're supposed to do,'' said John Cipolla, who trains and manages Cardona. ``He did what he he was supposed to do.

``It was tough being away from his family for that long. But after a few weeks he realized it was best for him. He's never been in better condition.

Cardona also added assistant trainer Kenny Adams to his team. Adams will work Cardona's corner along with Cipolla, who will serve as chief second.

``Kenny worked on two things -- cutting off the ring and quickness,'' Cipolla said. ``He's quicker than he has been. His technique is improved. I give all the credit to Kenny and Pito.''

Cipolla said Spadafora has not fought the level of competition that Cardona has.

``The hand-picked opponents I put [Cardona] in with were tougher than this guy,'' Cipolla said. ``I don't think Spadafora has a chance with Pito.''

Clay-Bey Returns

Hartford heavyweight Lawrence Clay- Bey (9-0, 8 KOs) is scheduled to face Dale Crowe (15-0, 9 KOs) in a 10-round bout Aug. 28 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The fight will be televised by HBO on the undercard of the fight between WBA super welterweight champion David Reid and WBC champion Keith Mullings.